Barbara Ann Russell, 82, of West Portsmouth, passed away at her home on February 13, 2026. She was born in Columbus on March 13, 1943, the daughter of the late James Edward and Lilliam Edna Bellar Shanks.
She graduated from Paramount Beauty Academy and worked as a beautician before marrying Jerry Lee Russell, Sr. on May 29, 1983, in West Portsmouth. Together for over 42 years, they established Southern Ohio Vault Company and Russell Livery Service through dedication and effort.
Barb belonged to Dry Run Church of Christ and liked traveling and socializing with church friends. She attended Shawnee State Community College, was a skilled artist—especially in painting—and enjoyed crafting.
Surviving is her husband, Jerry L. Russell, Sr.; daughter, Lisa Ann Caldwell Knouff of West Portsmouth; siblings, Joseph (Konnie) Shanks of North Lewisburg, and Clara Heaberlin of Heath; stepson, Jerry Lee “J.R.” Russell, Jr. of West Portsmouth; stepdaughter, Tammy L. (Todd) Hazelbaker of Otway; six grandchildren, Brandan W. (Ashley) Russell, Jordan A. (Abby) Russell, Caitlin (Braedon) Oliver, Jeffery McMahon, Jayson McMahon, and Tehya Hazelbaker; and eight great-grandchildren, Andrew Tabor, Bransyn Russell, Henleigh Russell, A.J. Russell, Gabi Johnson, Brody Blackwell, Mikenzi Renison and Brennan Renison; and her beloved dog, Tucker.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was also preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Alan McMahon; and four siblings, James, Eugene and David Shanks, and Sarah Craig.
Funeral services will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Dry Run Church of Christ with Mark Seevers, Minister officiating. Interment will be in Scioto Burial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
The family will receive friends from 11:30 until the funeral hour at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
Special thanks are extended to Advanced Hospice of Ohio for the compassionate care given to Barbara.